Automation is one of the essential practices in the modern application development lifecycle. This is because the complex nature of modern apps has almost eradicated the complete manual test cases.
This is because while working with these applications, the developers must simultaneously have constant access to all the elements.
Verifying the accessing capabilities of multiple elements at the same time is almost impossible with manual test cases.
While using automation testing, the developers will have various tools to automate the test cases.
However, it is very important to remember all the tools are unique and serve a specific purpose in the application development process.
Therefore the developers need to choose the correct tool that can suit their testing and development requirements.
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look into the top ten tools to automate modern web app test cases.
We will also discuss some unique features available while working with these tools.
Understanding Test Automation
The meaning of test automation is easy to understand just by analyzing its name. This is because we can define automation testing as a practice of automatically initiating and executing the test cases with the help of a text file.
This text file plays an important role in the proper execution of the automation testing process. It will consist of all the data and parameters the system will use for cross-checking the function of the application.
However, it is essential to mention that the developers have the liberty of changing all these parameters and data in this text file so that the final result is customized according to the project requirements. Selenium was one of the most dominant names during the initial years of automation testing.
While we’re on test automation, it is worth mentioning that the initial expenses of getting started with automation testing configuration are very high.
The developers must take care of various requirements, setup processes, and software installations using automation testing practices.
Moreover, automation testing comes with a steep learning curve.
During this process, the developers must get accustomed to all the automation testing practices to begin the transition.
So app development companies need to have a proper idea about their requirements so that they can get started with the process.
A crucial step is to analyze the returns on investment and the possible business perspective.
Top Test Automation Tools for Web Applications
Currently, multiple test automation tools are readily available in the market. However, as we already mentioned, every tool specializes in a different segment of the automation testing process.
So the developer needs a clear idea about the perfect tool for their web application requirements.
To simplify this process, we have created a list of some of the top tools to automate the web application test cases.
They are as follows:
1. Selenium
As we already discussed earlier, Selenium was the only option for automating the test cases for several years. Since its initial release almost ten years ago, Selenium has gained much popularity due to its interactive features.
The open-source nature of Selenium is a blessing for small companies and individual creators as it allows them to access all the features without any upfront cost.
While using Selenium, the developers can integrate third-party libraries and plugins to improve the system’s testing capabilities further.
For instance, the developers can incorporate cloud testing platforms like LambdaTest to eliminate the need for a physical test bench.
Selenium is a test suite containing tools like Selenium WebDriver, Selenium Grid, and Selenium IDE. All of these tools will help the developers during different stages of the application development process.
Now, let us learn how platforms like LambdaTest can improve the test efficiency of Selenium:
To get started, LambdaTest is a secure online platform to conduct cloud-based cross-browser test cases on web apps.
Cross-browser compatibility testing has become the modern standard for ensuring the proper performance of applications.
This is because, with the help of these modern testing processes, the developers can ensure that the end users can access the highest application performance irrespective of changes in the operating system, device version, or the entire hardware specifications.
LambdaTest has various useful features like parallel execution of test cases to improve the efficiency of the testing process.
While using LambdaTest, the developers can import the test cases from not only selenium but also other popular frameworks like Playwright and Cypress.
LambdaTest allows the execution of Selenium test cases on more than 3000+ unique browsers.
Moreover, integrating real device testing with thousands of emulators and simulators massively helps improve test cases’ accuracy.
2. Appium
Appium is one of the top contenders in the segment of mobile test automation tools.
This is because Appium is a server-based platform that helps the user gain access to various web browsers through direct vendors.
Moreover, the high compatibility of Appium allows it to execute the automation test cases from multiple programming languages into the native test framework.
The accuracy of Appium test cases is increased so that the developers can directly integrate the test results into the core test bench.
Moreover, after completing the testing process with Appium, the developers do not have to improve the compilation process with the help of additional SDK tools.
3. Katalon Studio
A unique feature of Katalon studio is that while using this tool, the developers can integrate it with both Appium and Selenium.
The integration of Katalon Studio with Selenium and Appium helps the developers to improve the Agile methodologies.
Katalon Studio also allows the developers to effectively conduct various types of testing like Online Application Testing, API testing, and even mobile app testing.
The developers also have the option of integrating multiple types of third-party tools like Git, Slack, and JIRA with Katalon studio.
4. Cucumber
The primary function of the cucumber test automation tool is to implement behavior-driven development practices. This tool is completely free and is based on an open-source design engine.
Cucumber is quite popular as it has helped the development of multiple high-profile applications like PayPal and Canon.
Some of the most interactive features of the Cucumber tool include the ability to integrate separate automation testing frameworks, the addition of Gherkin code, and also the use of different types of programming languages. The setup process is also simple while using Cucumber.
5. TestComplete
TestComplete is often regarded as one of the best solutions to integrate automation testing on desktop apps. Moreover, it also provides support for automation testing on other applications like mobile and web apps.
While using this tool, the developers will have access to multiple types of scripting technologies like regression testing, keyword-driven testing, and distribution testing.
This tool also provides access to highly reusable test cases and script building blocks that helps the developers to create the automation test cases efficiently.
6. HPE Unified Functional Testing
The original name of HPE unified functional testing was QuickTest professional. It is one of the most popular tools in the world of application testing due to its unique features for the execution of cross-browser automation testing processes.
This tool provides a central platform that helps the developers and testers to increase the total number of outcomes while reducing the overall test cost.
Using this tool, the developers can initiate and execute the automation test cases on numerous applications like desktop, web, mobile, Java, Oracle, and even SAP.
The combination of data-driven testing and the highest compatibility level helps the developers complete the test cases efficiently.
7. WorkSoft
WorkSoft is a unique automation testing tool. This is because while working with this tool, the developers do not need access to any coding technology.
The compatibility nature of WorkSoft allows the developers to integrate it during all stages of the SAP development project.
The developers can automate the user interface testing processes and access multiple test management tools using this tool.
8. IBM Rational Functional Tester
The IBM Rational functional tester is a commercially available automation testing tool. A unique feature of this tool is that it is highly compatible with all the development frameworks and programming languages currently available in the industry.
Moreover, while working with this tool, the developers can access two scripting languages simultaneously. It also allows the developers to integrate with IBM’s rational quality manager and monitor the test cases.
The test case monitoring process is also available with support for natural languages and application screenshots.
9. Telerik Test Studio
This is yet another test automation tool suitable for executing automation test cases on mobile, online, and desktop applications.
It also helps the developers to integrate application programming interface test cases. The developers can also use the video tracking feature to analyze the test case progress.
This feature also helps the developers to maintain an activity log that will be highly useful during the debugging process that follows the testing phase.
10. Askui James
Askui specializes in an end-to-end test automation framework often referred to as the AI expert James. Using this tool, the developers can efficiently conduct multiple automation test cases on mobile, desktop, and even web-based apps.
The testing process is simple as the developers can initiate it with plain text files.
Final Verdict!
Considering all the points discussed in this article, we can easily say that automation testing is the future of modern app development practices.
So we highly recommend the developers get accustomed to all the automation testing practices.
App companies also have a critical role in spreading awareness regarding all the modern automation testing trends and innovations. This will help the developers to utilize the full potential of their automated test benches.
It is also important to choose the correct tool or platform that can complement your automation testing practices and requirements.
Moreover, the developers should also have a clear idea about the requirements of their target audience. This is because this knowledge will help them to customize the test cases and the features of the applications to receive the highest output.
